Puntarenas Jungle Buggy & Crocodile River Tour for Cruise Guests

Summary

Shore Excursion: Jungle Buggy Ride & Tarcoles Crocodile Safari

You’ll get behind the wheel of a jungle buggy, splash through rivers and rainforest trails near Carara National Park, then cruise Tarcoles River spotting crocodiles and tropical birds—all guided by locals who know every shortcut and story. It’s an easy way to pack real Costa Rican adventure into your cruise stop.

What’s the experience like?

The air was thick and warm when we hopped off the ship in Puntarenas—just enough breeze to keep things comfortable. Our guide, Luis, met us right at the pier with a grin and a cooler of cold water bottles (trust me, you’ll want one). The drive out of town gave us a peek at everyday Costa Rican life—kids playing soccer near roadside fruit stands, the scent of ripe mangoes drifting through the open windows. After about 40 minutes, we rolled up to the adventure center tucked beside Carara National Park. There’s a bit of dust in the air and the sound of cicadas buzzing overhead.

Before we got going, Luis ran us through buggy basics—nothing fancy, just straight talk and a quick spin around their private track. These buggies fit up to six but our group split into pairs; you’ll need at least two per vehicle. Once we hit the trails, it got real: muddy tracks, splashes from shallow rivers (my sneakers still have a mark), flashes of green everywhere. We passed banana plantations and even caught sight of a couple scarlet macaws overhead—bright red against all that green. There’s a waterfall stop where you can jump in if you’re feeling brave; I just dipped my toes but some folks went all in.

After shaking off most of the mud, we piled back into the van for a short ride to Tarcoles River. The boat tour here is something else—the river’s wide and slow-moving, with mangroves curling along the banks. Our naturalist guide pointed out massive crocodiles sunning themselves (one looked as long as our boat), plus herons and kingfishers darting between branches. If you’re lucky, you might spot monkeys or even sloths high up in the trees. It’s peaceful but there’s always something moving if you watch closely.

On the way back toward Puntarenas, we stopped at El Jardin de Orotina—a local spot with souvenirs and an open-air buffet serving gallo pinto and fried plantains. I grabbed some coffee beans for home; they roast them right there so it smells incredible inside. The whole day felt like a mix of adrenaline and slow moments—muddy shoes, river breezes, fresh pineapple juice dripping down your chin.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jungle Buggy & Wildlife Boat Tour

• Buggy tour through jungle and rivers
• Explore Puntarenas city and coastline
• Eco boat tour on Tarcoles River
• Visit El Jardin de Orotina for souvenirs and buffet

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Kids are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The buggy ride can be bumpy so best for children who enjoy some adventure!

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes! There’s a stop at a waterfall where swimming is optional—just bring a towel and change of clothes if you plan to jump in.

Are there vegetarian meal options?

The buffet at El Jardin de Orotina usually includes vegetarian choices like rice, beans, salads, and plantains—but let your guide know ahead if you have dietary needs.

I’m not arriving by cruise ship—can I still book?

This tour is only available for cruise passengers docking in Puntarenas due to timing and logistics.

What’s included

Your day covers round-trip transport from port in an air-conditioned van or minibus; professional local guides; bottled water; about two hours on jungle buggies (shared per booking); riverboat safari on Tarcoles; time for souvenir shopping; plus lunch with Costa Rican favorites at El Jardin de Orotina.